TheEast
Pirates mid-season review Carolinian
As the 2025 season hits its midway point, East Carolina University football finds itself in the thick of the American Conference race with an overall record of 4-3 a conference record of 2-1. After pulling off a bounce-back win against the Tulsa University Golden Hurricanes (2-5,0-4 conference), the Pirates currently sit in a four way tie for third place in the conference. With a formidable opponent in Temple University (4-3, 2-1 American) approaching, the Pirates will look to jump them in the standings.
Redshirt junior quarterback Katin Houser has been the driving force behind East Carolina’s offense through the first half of the season. Houser has thrown for 1,989 yards and 10 touchdowns and at one point led the nation in passing yards. On the ground, redshirt sophomore running back London Montgomery has added 365 rushing yards and three touchdowns.
Houser’s top target, redshirt senior wide receiver Anthony Smith, has hauled in 34 receptions for 556 yards and three touchdowns. Defensively, sophomore defensive back Ja’Marley Riddle has anchored the secondary, leading the team with 43 tackles to go along with one interception and five pass breakups.
East Carolina opened the season with a near comeback on the road, falling just short to in-state rival North Carolina State University (4-3, 1-2 Atlantic Coast Conference) 24-17. The following week, the Pirates bounced back in dominant fashion at home, routing Campbell University (2-6, 2-2 Coastal Athletic Association) 56-3 behind a standout performance from Houser who threw for 314
yards. Sophomore wide receiver Brock Spalding led the receiving corps with 81 yards and a touchdown as ECU’s offense found its rhythm.
The pirates went on the road and got the win against another in-state rival, Coastal Carolina University (4-3, 3-1 Sun Belt conference) 38-0. Back in Carter-Finley Stadium for week four, the Brigham Young University Cougars came to town (7-0,4-0 Big 12 conference), and defeated the Pirates 34-13. Trying to turn the tides for Army Westpoint, (3-4, 2-3 American conference), the Houser and Smith connection was on full display in Dowdy Ficklen, with Smith pulling in 87 yards and a trip to the end zone in the Pirates 28-6 victory in the conference opener. The Pirates then traveled to New Orleans, L.A. to take on the Tulane University Green Wave (6-1, 3-0 conference). With a comeback brewing, the tides were too high and came crashing down as the Pirates lost to the Green Wave 26-19. After 4 straight field goals from Tulane, Houser struck the open receiver, Spalding, for a touchdown.
With a 4 and out defensive stop the Pirates gain possession of the ball and houser ducks and dodges for a 10 yard touchdown. Tulane later gets on the board with their own touchdown. With not enough time for a comeback the pirates are pushed overboard by Tulane. Following the bye week, the Pirate’s take on Temple University (4-3, 2-1 American) on Nov. 1. In Philadelphia, P.A.
Council member Marion Blackburn is up for re-election for Greenville City Council on Nov. 4. She currently serves District 3 of Greenville and is on the ballot against Seth Hardee and Tim Langley.
Blackburn was on the council from 2009 to 2015 before returning to the city council in 2022. She said she returned to politics in 2022 because she felt the council was not listening to residents then.
“They were not listening to members of the public throughout the city. They were just doing what they wanted to do, that bothered me enough to run for office [again].” Blackburn said.
She also disliked the council’s approval of cryptocurrency mining. She said cryptocurrency mining would have burned up twice as many utilities and created a lot of noise for residents. “We don’t know what kind of harm [to] the environment related to water use and all this additional power use [the mining would have had],” she said.
Blackburn said she wants to be a voice for students, and she accomplishes this by having ECU students help out with her campaign. “I love working with students. I love representing them in what can be difficult times,” she said. Blackburn said working with students makes her a better city council member. She loves the passion and great ideas they offer most about working with students. She said her policies attract students to volunteer for her campaign.
The safety of residents and the environment are two very important things to Blackburn. In 2022, the Greenville City Council passed ordinances regulating cryptocurrency mining and data centers. “I feel very good about not my work, but our work. It’s our work as a city, and we passed those regulations,” she said.
Blackburn is very proud of the $48 million build grant that Greenville received to improve sidewalks in Uptown
Greenville joins second "No Kings"
Hundreds of people attended the "No Kings" protest on Saturday, Oct. 18th, from 1 to 3 p.m. at East 10th Street and Evan Street. This rally brought out local residents, activists, East Carolina University students, and professors to support this cause. More than 2,600 rallies were planned all over the country.
This is the second “No Kings” protest to happen in the United States, the other being in June of this year. “No Kings” is a demonstration that refers to how people see Donald Trump and his administration leaning towards authoritarian policies.
Hunter Reynolds, a sophomore psychology major said he attended because silence on this issue can cause harm. “Fascism as an ideology is one that always needs an outgroup, and always needs people to be attacking it you know? So, even if I’m not directly under attack right now, those around me in my community are. Eventually if I let that stand, I’ll be attacked too.”
Protesters flooded the intersection holding colorful signs with slogans like “Make America Free Again” and “Veto the Cheeto.” One of these signs was held by Mya Clarke, a sophomore who said she encourages all people to speak up. “If you don’t care, if you're not listening, if you’re not speaking, you don’t want your voice to be heard, and we all have a voice that should be heard.”
People of all ages were in attendance including Debbie Hymen, a local Greenville resident. “I’m in my sixties. We want to get as close to democracy as we can. This is a human issue for me. It’s time to evolve and return back to love. I didn’t think we would have to do this work anymore, but then I realized we are the answers. It’s our time and the fight is not over,” she said.
In some cases, protestors were met with backlash. People in their cars rolled down their windows to give a thumbs-down or yelled profanities, but this did not stop them from holding their signs and spreading their message.
Greenville and establish new bar guidelines.
The bar guidelines intend to make students safer out at bars by having bar managers always be on duty. Bars also must be up to code and must have a security plan. “I am very concerned about safety,” Blackburn said. “I think everybody should be able to have a good time, whether that involves alcohol or not,” she continued.
The Greenville City Council has helped establish new safety measures in Uptown Greenville and in areas on the ECU campus.
Areas such as 10th St., which have caused car accidents in the past, have had a reduced speed limit from 50 to 45 because of safety measures enforced by the City Council. Blackburn said that even though it’s a small thing, she is very proud of it. “Sometimes the small things matter most,” she said.
Blackburn said she is currently working on installing blue light warning boxes throughout Greenville to help people be more safe when walking throughout the district. She specifically named 10th St. as a dangerous area where she wants to put the warning boxes. The warning boxes act as stoplights, where vehicles must stop for pedestrians crossing.
In her initiative to improve safety downtown, Blackburn also wants to establish free buses again to help people be safer after bars close. She pointed out how dangerous it is, especially for women, to be out at bars and walking home. She said she wants to address all safety concerns from all district 3 residents.
As someone who describes themself as a “community activist,” Blackburn initiated the development of Eastside Park during her most recent tenure on the Greenville City Council. Eastside Park sat on Highway 33 for 20 years, underdeveloped, until Blackburn decided it was time to expand. Eastside Park now has trails, benches, and a wildflower garden.
Eastside Park is not the only park that Blackburn has helped evolve. The City Council got a half-million grant to fix up Woodlawn Park with pickleball courts, ping-pong, cornhole, and a playground.
Another priority for Blackburn is establishing more jobs in Greenville. She said she wants students to stay in the city after they finish their degrees and wants to ensure there are a variety of well-paying jobs for ECU graduates.
Marion Blackburn said she promises to work for all residents of District 3 and will make “all of your priorities, my priorities.” Blackburn prioritizes safety for not just ECU Students but all residents of District 3.
“That’s my promise to students: You matter to me, your safety matters to me, and your quality of life and experience in Greenville matter to me,” Blackburn said.
COURTESY OF ECU ATHLETICS
East Carolina University football sophomore back Dejuan Lacy warming up before the away game against Tulane University.
CROUTESTY OF MARION BLACKBURN Marion Blackburn promises to make Distrtict 3 safer for students
Josiah Cobb TEC STAFF
Dakota Hamm TEC STAFF
Kelly Bullock FOR THE EAST CAROLINIAN
KELLY BULLOCK I THE EAST CAROLINIAN Greenville joins other North Carolina cities in protesting the president.
BRIEFS
Center for Medical Education gains golden support
East Carolina University’s Brody School of Medicine received a $1 million grant from the Golden LEAF Foundation to enhance its new Center for Medical Education. The funding will equip the seven-story, 195,000-square-foot facility, which is expected to open in 2027, with advanced simulation technology, including 360-degree learning studios and a whitebox simulation room.
The Golden LEAF Foundation, which supports economic growth in rural communities, has a long partnership with ECU through previous investments in cancer care, diabetes research and scholarships.
The expansion will allow Brody to grow its medical school class size and residency programs.
Maynard gift strengthens scholarship program
East Carolina University’s College of Education received a multi-million dollar gift from the Maynard family to expand the James and Connie Maynard Scholars program, raising its four-year scholarship value from $26,000 to $40,000. The program supports aspiring teachers with tuition, fees, mentoring, leadership training and study abroad opportunities.
Since its creation in 2006, the Maynards have invested over $4.5 million to fund more than 200 scholarships for North Carolina students, including 15 new scholars in the 2025 group. Recipients pledge to teach in eastern or central North Carolina, furthering ECU’s mission to strengthen education in rural communities.
CORRECTIONS & CLARIFICATIONS
If you feel there are any factual errors in this newspaper, please contact editor@theeastcarolinian.com.
CRIME LOGS
Editor's Note: The East Carolinian Crime Logs are derived from East Carolina University Police Department’s (ECU PD) public crime logs accessible to all individuals. Crime Logs are not done within the partnership of ECU PD and The East Carolinian, as this publication is meant to act as an additional resource for Pirate Nation. Below are listings of criminal activity that has occurred on or within proximity of main campus.
Oct, 15.
A suspect is currently under investigation for forceable second degree rape. The incident was reported Oct, 15. but took place in Jones hall between four and eight a.m. on Oct, 8
Oct, 17.
An ECU student is facing multiple charges for drunkenly urinating in Clement hall. The charges include intoxicated and disruptive, injury to personal property, and first degree trespassing
Oct, 17. There is an open investigation for larceny at Ballard East. The incident took place last Friday around 11 p.m.
Oct, 16. There is an open investigation on a hit and run and failure to stop at the Main Campus parking garage. The incident took place at 10:45 am.
ECU address the recent sexual assault cases
Police are investigating another rape that reportedly happened in Jones Residence Hall, which marks the third reported sexual assault on ECU’s campus in the last two weeks.
ECU’s Associate Vice Chancellor of Student Well-Being, LaNika L. Wright, released a memorandum on Thursday that assured students, “There is not an unknown perpetrator targeting individuals in the area.” The message also reviews the importance of consent and safety in all sexual encounters.
“We want to emphasize the importance of clear and ongoing consent in all intimate interactions. Consent can be revoked at any time, for any reason, and that decision must be respected,” the memorandum said.
According to ECU’s crime log, the latest incident took place on Oct. 8 but was not reported until Oct. 15. Reports show the alleged assault happened in the early morning hours between 4 a.m. and 8 a.m. Police classified the crime as second-degree forcible rape.
The previously reported assaults occurred on Oct. 3 in Tyler Residence Hall and Oct. 5 in Fletcher Residence Hall. According to WCTI, police say the victim and suspect knew each other in all three cases.
One stop early local election voting station coming to the MCSC
According to an article by Carnegie.org, voter turnout for municipal elections is always very low. This can be due to a number of factors, from publicity to overall underinformed voters.These elections are important, though, as they decide who runs your city or town. At the end of the day, though, in our current year of 2025, voting is important.
ECU seeks to solve this problem by reminding students that they will have a one-stop early voting station for municipal elections in room 125 of the Main Campus Student Center.
The early voting location will run from Oct. 27 to Nov. 1. Alex Dennis, the Senior Associate Director of the Center of Leadership and Civic Engagement, says this initiative ensures that students who want to vote can do so and increases student engagement with the voting process in Greenville.
"Pirates to the Polls is a flyer that we do that tells our student body that our student center is going to have a one-stop early voting site," said Dennis.
"Students have the option of registering where they're from or where they attend school. So if a student decides that they would like to vote in the Pitt County municipal elections, they can update their voter registration and do so at the student center," he continued.
ECU has also partnered with the Andrew Goodman Foundation to give students access to a portal where they can check their voter registration, look up candidates on the ticket, and more.
ECU Deputy Chief of Police Chris Sutton told WCTI that heightened police security and procedural changes are unlikely to prevent such cases.
The three mentioned reports may not fully reflect the bigger issue on campus. According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, more than 90% of sexual violence victims on college campuses do not report their assault.
Students, faculty, and staff who have experienced sexual violence can file an incident report through the Title IX office. ECU also offers support resources through the Center for Counseling and Student Development and Student Health Services.
“It takes everyone’s commitment to build and maintain a campus culture where we all feel protected and supported,” Wright said in the memorandum. Second-degree forcible rape is a Class C felony that carries a sentence of up to 182 months in jail. All cases remain under active investigation.
ECU is in Cyberbowl
ECU is once again participating in the annual Cyberbowl, a competition that tests knowledge on cybersecurity issues. It is one of eight NC schools participating this year.
NC State began the Cyberbowl last year to raise awareness about cybersecurity. Students and faculty can participate by going to the website go.ecu.edu/cyberbowl. The last day to compete is Oct. 31. The quiz can only be taken once.
Elizabeth City State University is currently in the lead with 17.37 percent of the school participating. ECU is second to last with only 0.93 percent of the school participating, slightly ahead of NC A&T. Scores are calculated based on the percentage of the student body that completed the quiz.
ECU IT Security Professional Mike Barry spoke about how important cybersecurity is.
“Cybersecurity is in every field,” he said. “It’s part of everybody’s daily life now. People need to understand how to be conscious when utilizing technology,” Barry said.
He encouraged students to find other ways on campus to learn about cybersecurity. He named the Cyber Competition Club, whose mission is to create a community of “cybersecurity enthusiasts” through workshops and mentorships. The group holds weekly meetings on Fridays.
Students can take a Canvas course to learn more about cybersecurity. The course is optional, but Barry highly recommends students use the free resource. A mandatory training program is also given to ECU employees and student employees. “We are here to protect the university, the faculty, staff, and students,” Barry said.
ECU has also been hosting a series of events featuring guest speakers. In the past, members of the State Bureau of Investigation gave a lecture on how cyberspaces are manipulated to take advantage of vulnerable populations like children.
On Tuesday, as part of National Cyber Security Awareness Month, U.S. Senator Thom Tillis gave a virtual presentation about his work passing legislation to address potential threats.
More events are planned for later this month. A cybersecurity senior executive from Amazon Web Services will visit on Oct. 29. Lieutenant Colonel Barron, head of the North Carolina Cybersecurity Response Team, will visit later this month. Senior Cybersecurity Advisor for UNC Shannon Tufts will also visit the campus.
PHOEBE GREGG I THE EAST CAROLINIAN
After three recent sexual assault cases on campus, ECU addresses the horrendous crimes and urges students to stay safe and always ask for consent.
CANDON JOHNSON I THE EAST CAROLINIAN
Starting Oct. 27, there will be a voting machine in the MCSC to vote local.
Staff Report ECU STAFF
Candon Johnson TEC STAFF
Jordan Adams TEC STAFF
Arts & Entertainment
EVENTS
6:00
PM 2523294560
Smoke in the Pitt 2025 ECU Harvey Hall, 100 Ficklen Dr, Greenville, NC 27858
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM 9198750707
TOMORROW
Festival of Fright event at Wildwood Park
Wildwood Park, 3450 Blue Heron Drive, Greenville, NC 27858
7:00 PM to 10:00PM 2523299453
Trunk or Treat
Aces for Autism NC Child Development Center, 654 Worthington Drive, Winterville, NC 28590
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM 2526896645
“The Monkey’s Paw,” a Frightful One Act Play
Eastern Carolina Village and Farm Museum, 4570 County Home Road, Greenville, NC 27858
7:00 PM to 9:00 PM 2525312771
Greenville Museum of Arts spooky events
Halloween is around the corner, which means students are searching for exciting activities to participate in. The Greenville Museum of Arts has some frightfully fun events on schedule such as Halloween Artini on Oct. 24 from 6-9 p.m. and Halloween Jamboree on Oct. 26 from 12-4p.m.
Halloween Artini will be an event catered to adults with festivities including appetizers, a fashion show, and musical performances by local artists Hysteria Cole. “This event is geared towards adults and features cocktails, a costume contest, and more,” Tyler Brown, education and visitor’s services coordinator for GMoA, said.
Brown emphasized that this is a ticketed event. The tickets are priced at $20 for GMoA members and $30 for regular guests. To ensure there are enough guests attending, people are encouraged to register ahead of schedule.
A variety of food trucks will be available on site, as well as an art and ghost tour, courtesy of Pitt County Arts Council and Visit Greenville, NC. Guests are welcome to wear their scariest “Classic Monsters” costumes for the chance to win a cash prize.
Ticket purchases include entertainment and desserts, and proceeds go toward support for GMoA. On their website they have information for anyone interested in volunteering, sponsoring, or making a donation. Donations
are pay-what-you-can to help support GMoA’s mission.
If it’s spooky fun without the price tag that captures your interest, GMoA’s largest event, Halloween Jamboreeni, is the festival for you. There will be trunk-or-treating, fall decor and crafts, bouncy houses, and more. “This is a community event,” Brown said.
Food vendors will be present with options from sno-cones to tacos to the popular Nothing Bundt Cakes. There will also be dance tutorials, a petting zoo, games and prizes, and STEMrelated demonstrations.
For more information on both events, go
Melancholy Play is only one performance in the ECU School of Theatre and Dance’s series and will take place Oct. 23 at 7:30 p.m. in Burnette Studio Theatre Room 113. It will run until Oct. 26 and tickets are $10 for students, $15 for faculty and staff, and $20 for independent public.
Described by ECU’s event calendar as a contemporary farce that explores emotions, love, and the chaos of feeling, Sarah Ruhls Melancholy Play sees a bank Teller named Tilly whose sadness draws people to her. Ruhl, a renaissance woman in every sense of the word, has written many acclaimed plays, books, and essays. Her works have been adapted time and time again, each creator bringing their unique voice to the text.
This adaptation will be spear-headed by Jennifer-Scott Mobley a dramaturg, director, scholar, and educator here at ECU. She describes this play as intimate with a small cast of core characters that uses music, specifically the cello, in a unique and interesting way. “I would say it’s a play with music rather than a music play,” Mobley said.
Mobley has been with ECU since 2014 and has worn many hats as the School of
Theatre and Dance’s department historian and dramaturg. This is her third production that she’s directed and she says every play has its own unique challenges to navigate. “There’s always some things that are tricky and some that come together easily,” said Mobley.
Mobley says that despite the name of the play, the play is fairly lighthearted and comedic as we follow Tilly and her friends while they navigate challenges on different journeys. Some of these journeys even drift into the fantastical. The play explores the inner lives of these characters and takes the audience on a journey with them that they won’t want to miss.
Mobley’s main goal with this performance is to create an experience. She says that she wanted the event to be fun and entertain people who love music and people who love theater. “I would like to invite folks who want a more intimate theater experience that includes some music and lots of laughs,” said Mobley.
OUR VIEW
Vaccines are necessary for preserving our health
We, the editorial staff of The East Carolinian, believe that vaccines are very important for society’s health. Vaccines are an incredible achievement that has put an end to many deadly viruses in the past. Viruses such as smallpox and polio have been eradicated thanks to vaccines, and viruses like Measles have seen a reduction in cases, also thanks to vaccines.
Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccine skeptics have become much more vocal about their dislike for vaccines. A lot of these skeptics peddle false claims about vaccines, and these false claims can do a lot of harm to children.
One of the most significant claims these skeptics peddle is that vaccines cause autism. It has been proven numerous times that there is no correlation between vaccines and autism. In fact, the initial claim was walked back by the man who said there was a correlation between the two.
Vaccines are so important not just because they protect the person who is given the vaccine but also because they protect the people around them. When we first get sick with a virus, we may not show symptoms at first, so it is vital to get the vaccines to prevent the spread of deadly viruses.
The staff of The East Carolinian believe that vaccination is vital to preserving the health of our society. Vaccines have been proven numerous times to help decrease cases of deadly viruses. We need to take our health seriously, and in order to do so, we must listen to our doctors and get vaccinated.
PIRATE RANTS
On Saturday around 2,700 protests were held across all 50 states with a total of around 7 million people in attendance. The protests were organized by a group called No Kings with the goal of advocating for democracy and against the actions of both President Trump and his staff.
This is not the first time that this group has organized a mass protest. The first time was just a few months ago in June which drew similar crowds all across the country. Protests were not only advocating for democracy but also condemning Trump
for his actions. Some of the issues are mass deportations, the war in Gaza, education and environmental cuts, the deployment of the national guard and more.
These protests arrived amidst what is now the third longest government shut down in United States history. Preventing many from the ability to get paid and receive food and medical assistance.
But that isn’t even the tip of the iceberg. Our economy is in the gutter because of tariffs, federal funding continues to be cut on multiple fronts, our own military is being deployed inside of our borders, there are multiple conflicts overseas that continue to not be resolved. And for what? To make America great again?
It is clear to me that these protests were
needed. Obviously, America is not at its best right now and we as people deserve the best.
Republican politicians said following the protests this was a “hate America rally” and “who cares?”
Protestors should be proud of themselves for peacefully demonstrating their first amendment rights in efforts to provoke change despite the comments that have been made.
It is important that each and every one of us, despite political association, fight for what we believe is right, to see the change we want, and create the country that we desire to live in.
The mini bible people are kinda of pushy
Why are the always jehovah witnesses on campus
The rec center always has the most random temperatures
Why are there so many rapes I feel unsafe on campus and in my dorm
People are constantly trying to steal scooters and bikes from bike racks. Grow up and get some money that is so stupid.
The Chick-fil-a line is always so long and takes forever
Why does my Grub Hub app always disconnect from my phone they need to fix that
The game room in the student center always smells weird
Im tired of being bombarded by clubs that sit out on the mall and in the student center and advertise
Students should be required to stay at the football games until half time at least we need to better support our athletes
Todd dining halls food is hit or miss
North Carolina’s First Congressional District has long been at the center of the Black political experience in this state. Encompassing much of eastern North Carolina, it includes counties where Black residents fought for the right to vote, to work with dignity and to be represented.
Now, that legacy is once again under threat.
The General Assembly aims to redraw the district in a way that would significantly reshape its boundaries to include counties that have very different political and demographic makeups. This would not only change who represents the region — it will dilute the voting strength of Black North Carolinians who have fought for generations to have a seat at the table. The North Carolina Senate passed the new voting map
Tuesday, and now it goes to the state House for consideration.
As the state representative for House District 27 — which includes Halifax, Northampton, and Warren counties — I know how deep this struggle runs. Halifax and Northampton were among the 40 NC counties that were subject to federal “preclearance” under Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act. Halifax was the only county in the state that, because of its record of discrimination, was barred from relief from federal literacy imperatives (Alston v. Butts, 1964).
These discriminatory laws and practices kept citizens from voting, holding office, and controlling their own destinies. They turned to the courts — and won.
In Johnson v. Halifax County (1984) and Ellis v. Vance County (1987), lawsuits filed under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act forced changes in election methods that finally allowed Black candidates to be elected to county commissions. Lassiter v. Northampton County v. Northampton County Board of Elections (1959) and Baze-
more v. Bertie County Board of Elections (1961) challenged the use of literacy tests to disenfranchise Black voters. Other lawsuits across the region — including NAACP v. Roanoke Rapids, Hines v. Mayor and Town Council of Ahoskie, and Wilkins v. Washington County Commissioners — successfully challenged similar discriminatory practices. This region was also at the heart of Black political power during Reconstruction. Known as the “Black Second,” the First District and its predecessor elected some of the first Black members of Congress: John Hyman of Warren County, James O’Hara of Halifax County, Henry Cheatham of Vance County and George Henry White — the last Black member of Congress from the South until 1972.
After nearly a century without Black representation, North Carolina elected Eva Clayton to Congress in 1992. She was followed by Frank Ballance, G.K. Butterfield and now Don Davis.
The East Carolinian does not endorse the statements made in Pirate Rants.
Classifieds & Puzzles
Jacqueline E. Mathews
Created by Jacqueline E. Mathews
Sports
The East Carolinian Sports experts predict this week’s events
Garett Skillman TEC Sports Editor
ECU VS. Rice Score Prediction?
ECU 2-1
Why?
After a slow start to the season, the Pirates are looking to win out the rest of the schedule before the start of the American tournament. I don’t see them dropping three straight games with as much talent on the team as we have. Rice is a tough squad to play especially when it seems like a mustwin game, but give me the Pirates to get a 2-1 road win.
Cannon Gates WZMB Station Manager
ECU VS. Rice Score Prediction?
Tie 2-2
Why?
ECU is coming off a loss to No. 4 in the country Memphis, and a strong UAB team. The Lady Pirates are not going to want to go down three in a row but they are playing a tough Rice squad. I’m gonna have to go with a tie in this one down in Texas.
Nick Green WZMB Sports & News Director
ECU VS. Rise Score Prediction?
Rice 3-1
Why?
The Pirates have been on a losing streak recently and unfortunately for them, their next opponent is Rice who is 5-1-1 in conference play, and 9-2-4 overall. Rice has looked incredibly solid on all fronts this year with their only loss being to No. 11 Memphis. While the Pirates need to win to get on the right track, I just don’t see it happening.
Pirates volleyball falls to roadrunners
The East Carolina women’s volleyball team (10-9, 2-6 American Conference) couldn’t get much going on Sunday afternoon, falling 3-0 to the University of Texas at San Antonio (11-8, 4-4 American) on the road in San Antonio, T.X. It was another tough outing for the Pirates, who continue to search for consistency as the American Athletic Conference schedule rolls on.
The Roadrunners came out firing from the start, putting immediate pressure on ECU’s back row. After East Carolina grabbed a brief early lead, UTSA responded with a big six-point run to swing momentum completely in its favor, going up 18-9. The Pirates couldn’t recover as UTSA ran away with the first set, 25-14.
ECU managed just four kills in the
opener and struggled to handle the Roadrunners, meanwhile, UTSA hit .357 in the set. East Carolina showed some life early in the second set, building a 10-5 lead after a few strong serves and a couple of kills from freshman Sydney Buchanan. The Pirates seemed to find some rhythm, but it didn’t last long.
UTSA answered with a 6-1 run to tie it up at 12-12, then later pulled away behind three service aces from freshman defensive specialist Giada Obregon. The Roadrunners took the set 25-19, leaving ECU once again playing from behind.
In the third set, ECU tried to make a push to extend the match. Down 9-4 early, the Pirates battled back behind the play of freshman outside hitter Violet Hakan, who delivered five kills in the frame. ECU tied the score at 18-18 and appeared to have momentum shifting its way, but UTSA closed
strong with another late run to take the final set 25-19 and complete the sweep. Hakan led the Pirates with eight kills, Buchanan added six kills and five digs, while junior libero Emma Dunleavy contributed 10 digs on defense. The Pirates were out-hit 49-33 and finished with a team hitting percentage of just .173 compared to UTSA’s .384. Head coach Adler Augustin’s squad has now dropped three of its last four matches, with two of those losses coming in straight sets. East Carolina will get the chance to bounce back at home when they host the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (15-1, 6-3 American Conference) on Oct. 22 inside Minges Coliseum in Greenville, N.C.
East Carolina University football (4-3, 2-1 American) knocked off the University of Tulsa (2-5, 0-4 American) at home in Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. Not only did the win boost their record to 4–3 overall and 2–1 in the American Conference, but also was a bounce back win after they previously fell to Tulane University (6-1, 3-0 American).
“It was a good day, offensively especially,” said Head Coach Blake Harrell. “We had over 500 yards of offense.”
Statistically, Katin Houser turned in one of his best performances since transferring to ECU, completing 21 of 38 passes for 300 yards and two touchdowns while avoiding any turnovers. Both of those scores went to red-shirt senior wide receiver Anthony Smith, who put on a show under the lights with four catches for 150 yards. His first touchdown was a 66-yarder in the first quarter and a 63-yarder before halftime. Each came at a critical moment, swinging momentum back to the Pirates whenever Tulsa tried to close the gap.
“After the loss to Tulane we just really harped on going back to the basics,” said Anthony Smith. “We just practiced hard and had energy and effort.”
The Pirates also dominated on the ground, something head coach Mike Houston has emphasized all season. Redshirt sophomore running back London Montgomery provided a huge spark with 16 carries for 125 yards and a touchdown, breaking off a 51-yard run early in the third quarter that helped ECU stretch the
lead to 31–14. Senior running back Marlon Gunn Jr. added another short touchdown run, and even Houser got in on the scoring with a two-yard quarterback keeper late in the game.
In total, ECU ran the ball 53 times for 268 yards, averaging just over five yards per carry. Tulsa didn’t go quietly as Tulsa freshman quarterback Baylor Hayes threw for 251 yards and two touchdowns, including a 38-yard strike to junior tight end Brody Foley, who finished with six catches for 126 yards.
The Golden Hurricane moved the ball well at times and even trimmed the deficit to 31–24 early in the fourth quarter. But when they needed a stop, their defense didn’t deliver. ECU answered with a field goal to extend the lead, and Houser’s late rushing touchdown put the game away.
The Pirates gave up some big plays through the air, yet they consistently made stops on third down and forced Tulsa to settle for field goals in the red zone. The front seven also held Tulsa to just 3.5 yards per rush, keeping their offense one-dimensional.
East Carolina will have a bye next week before traveling to Philadelphia, P.A. to face Temple University (4-3, 2-1 American) on Nov. 1. The Saturday matchup will be streamed live on ESPN+ for fans unable to make the trip.
Garett Skillman THE EAST CAROLINIAN
East Carolina University women’s volleyball team re-groups during the match against the University of Texas at San Antonio in the road